Thursday, October 14, 2021

Bringing Fall's Beauty Inside/ Harvest Party

 


Hello, Dear Friends, my favorite season is finally here!

 I've been having fun bringing the beauty inside, 

so come on in and we'll have a cup of hot cider

while we catch up. 

I've missed you!

xx


The sun is shining this morning, splashing sunbeams around 

like bright little pools of happiness. 


We can forget how much we miss the summer roses 
when we have sunflowers, pumpkins, berries and fall leaves! 


My Mother's beautiful basket full of bittersweet was one of her favorites.
Bittersweet is such a perfect description for this time of year. 


A little fall color in the deck planters. 






The metal sign says, "The Cabin". 


The wood box is full. 
Night temperatures are dropping, but we have not had a hard frost yet. 


Some fall gatherings by my blogging desk. 


Dried Yellow Dock is especially nice 
in large containers. 
My large clay urn was a gift from Ramblin' Man 
one year for my birthday. 
He knows the way to a fall gathering woman's heart. 
xx

 I have been so busy the last few weeks that
I haven't opened my computer since my last 
blog post! 

There have been many projects that we have been 
finishing up and I have been in an organizing 
and cleaning mood. 
When that mood strikes, I take advantage of it, 
because it doesn't come all that often. 
*grin*
We celebrated four birthdays in September, 
along with our wedding anniversary,
with two more birthdays this month (including mine). 

And the drought that extended into late 
summer/early fall has kept me so busy 
trying to save all of my precious plantings 
(and many of the wild things). 
I had a very busy schedule of daily watering that 
also had to be mindful because we get our water from a well. 
It was quite an undertaking, but I am happy to report 
that I didn't lose any of my plants
except one young plum at the very top 
of my driveway that I couldn't reach. 
We didn't have any measurable rain for almost 3 months!
Now the weather gods are making up for lost time. 
xx

I have been in a strange state of mind these days, too. 
Lots of anxiety over the health of my family, the state of the country,
and the world at large. 

 I have been trying to focus on things that 
keep my anxiety in check. Gratitude for my home, family and friends, 
  doing things that I love to do, like sewing, reading, gardening, 
cooking, decorating and enjoying the beauty of nature.
And I've stayed away from social media 
until I feel better able to ignore all the crazy
that inevitably seeps in. 

Sometimes it's hard to stay centered.
I'm sure you are all feeling the same.


So anyway, that's where I've been
but I've been away too long. 
xx



A sweet needlework to bring in the season. 


Some fall dishes. 
I found the 'Strawflower' sugar bowl by Kenmark at an antique shop
 and have been searching for more pieces. 
I just love it. 
I don't have an autumn dish set. 
Yet. 
xx
Now I have something new and sweet to collect! 










I turned a too-small embroidered table runner into a window valance. 


My Mother's ceramic candle holder from my childhood.  


Looking out the window I see my children's playhouse.
Once they grew up,  
it was used as a dog house for several precious dogs, and now it is 
a place to store garden tools.



My son, Gabe found this watercolor at a gallery 
in Seattle and gifted it to me. 

Art imitates life. 
xx



I've sewn a few fall pillows. 

I like to collect flea-market art for each season. 




Beautiful gifted flowers
xx


Kai seems to know when I am taking photos. 
He likes to photo-bomb. 
xx










We'll be taking down the umbrellas and canopy 
this week. I will be sad to see them go.
 
My coral impatiens and black-eyed Susan vine are still blooming. 

xx



My tall, hand-crafted hutch opposite the day-bed
has soft woodland hues. 
It was made by someone named 'Bruce' in the early 1960's
which he signed in the back. 

We rented a tiny home in a cherry orchard when we 
moved to Oregon as newlyweds in the 1970's.
This hutch was in the kitchen.  
The landlord gave the hutch to us when we moved 
because we had completely remodeled the little house 
while we lived there. 
My first two children were born there. 

I have lovely memories of that sweet and simple time in our lives. 


I hosted a 'Harvest Party' for some of my favorite 'girls',
now that we are all vaccinated. 
There were seven of us, one a 'birthday girl'.  






Everyone brought a 'dish'
and they were quite creative. 

We also had delicious stuffed mushrooms, 
but I neglected to take a photo
before we gobbled them up. 




 Harvest Apple Cider

8 whole cloves
2 or 3 small cinnamon sticks
1 tea bag
3 inch slice of dried orange peel
4 cups apple cider
4 cups pineapple juice

Place spices, tea bag and orange peel in a square
of cheesecloth and tie in a bundle. 

Place remaining ingredients in a 3 qt. slow cooker
and add spice bundle. 

Cover and cook on low 2 hrs. 


I put fun stickers on the glassware.
xx 

We also had cider beer and I made a big batch of white Sangria. 
The Sangria was a big hit and it turned out delicious. 


Apple, Pear and Rosemary Sangria Blanco

2 Fugi apples (or your favorite), cored and thinly sliced
2 Bartlett pears, cored and thinly sliced
2 cups apple cider
1 (750-mi) bottle dry white wine
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 (750-mi) bottle dry white sparkling wine, chilled
1/2 cup cranberries

In a large pitcher, combine apple and pear slices, apple cider, wine,
and rosemary. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up 
to 2 days. 
Stir in the sparkling wine and cranberries just before serving. 

Makes 8-10 servings

I doubled the recipe, let it steep for 2 days, and served it in a large glass decanter.

xx 





I used my vintage ironing board as an extra serving table. 
It usually resides in my sewing room. 



I made 'Toadstool' cupcakes with white chocolate chips 
turned upside down, and donut hole 'acorns' dipped in melted 
chocolate chips and chocolate sprinkles with pretzel stick stems. 
Everyone loved those and took several home. 


Chicken pot pies made in muffin cups 
were delicious and so easy to make. 
I prepared the filling the night before. 

Here's the recipe:

I doubled it for the party. 

Mini Chicken Pot Pies
serves 8

1 package (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, cooked. 
(I used peas and carrots)

1 dozen tiny golden potatoes, cooked, peeled and diced.

1 cup cooked, diced chicken.

1 small can (10 and 1/2 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup. 
(I used the kind with herbs)

1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning if desired. 

1 can (16.3 oz.) refrigerated Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Original Biscuits.
(8 count)

Heat oven to 375 degrees. 
Lightly grease 8 regular-sized muffin cups

In medium bowl combine vegetables, chicken, seasoning and soup; mix well. 

Press each biscuit into a 5 or 6 inch round with the heel of your hand. 
Firmly press each round into a greased muffin cup forming a 3/4 in. rim. 

Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each.

Pull edges of dough over filling toward center. 
Pleat and pinch dough gently to hold in place. 

Bake 25 - 30 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. 
Cool one minute and remove from pan. 

Yum!  


 I served it with an Autumn salad made with baby greens, 
sliced pear, candied walnuts, dried cranberries
 and red onion. I forgot to add the gorgonzola cheese crumbles. 
There's always something forgotten in the rush of things.
It was tasty just the same. 
(Dip the pear slices in bottled lemon juice to keep from browning) 

I used store-bought raspberry-walnut vinaigrette for the dressing.

xx  

We had a wonderful time. 


It's always sad to say goodbye, 
but we get to keep all of the sweet memories. 



One of the projects Ramblin' Man worked on this summer
was replacing the old picket fence with this nice rail fence. 
It has wire fencing attached to keep a certain little white dog 
close to home. xx


He also fixed the walkway stairs. 
A critter had tunneled it's way under, 
lifting some of the pavers, which 
made it hazardous to negotiate. 
He filled underneath with gravel to prevent
future tunnels. 

My son, Dustin helped limb up some of the low-hanging 
branches earlier this spring. Now we have a 
much clearer sight-line! 
Dustin helped build the walkway
his senior year of high school. 

The projects never end, but they are 
always labors of love. 

xx

Next time I will show you the finished library room that 
we have been working on for a year! 

It's finally done! 

xx

I know that my blog feed has been interrupted 
and doesn't update on many of your sites. 
Please try unfollowing me and then re-following to see if that works. 

You can always just type 'Beatrice Euphemie' in your search engine and it will come up.

xx 

Please take care, dear friends. 
Life is precious. 
xx












 

22 comments:

  1. I was so happy to see your comment on my new blog post, Karen...it made me drop by. And you are experiencing the same lag in posting and dealing with more pressing things as well as home keeping to keep you busy and anxiety at bay. At least I think that-it does that for me.

    Your home exudes coziness; the colors, wood accents, comfy furniture, and your nature and floral finds. I wish I lived in a place where I could grow and cut such magic!

    Let's keep up. I plan to post once a week even if its one picture and three lines!!😘

    Jane

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  2. It's lovely to see you back again with all your news and great photos. I do check every now and then to see if you've posted, it is such a shame something went wrong but I haven't found it a problem. We've had quite a warm and sunny Autumn so far and the leaves are only just beginning to change colour. It looks wonderful as ever in your neck of the woods, you are in just the right place to get away from all the chaos in the world. Have a great birthday with your family, enjoy all the celebrations. x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Karen, it's nice to see a post from you again. Those Mums are so pretty, and exactly like the
    ones I've been looking for at the store. Couldn't find any, but bought some roses in the same color. Kind of like the inside of a grapefruit, and these Mums look so charming on your front porch. I really liked the large clay urn. And I always enjoy seeing your Hutch with all the goodies changing for each season. I like all the oranges you used, and you saved a cupcake for me hehehe. Your Mother's candle holder from your childhood is a treasure. I'm glad you kept it all these years. The watercolor of the red house your son gave you is wonderful. The Harvest party sounds fun, and oh, those stuffed mushrooms! I think I would have eaten too many. The chicken pot pies made on muffin cups sound delightful. And your salad looks so good.

    Autumn is showing its lovely beauty around your neck of the woods, and it's my favorite season too.
    It's been fun watching it come alive here in the mountains. It's getting colder, and I hear we will get lots of snow brrrrr. Take care, dear Karen, and your home and surroundings are such a blessing in your life.

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ps.....the Autumn garland around your door looks so pretty, and your porch is festive for Fall.
      I have a big front porch now, so it was a delight to see yours and all the creativeness and colors you used. Your white doggy really stands out against the orange. Such a cute photo.
      Please keep that one for years to come. : )

      Delete
  4. Hello! You have a cute dog! Beautiful house with soft light, I like it. On your pictures are autumn but still looks like summer. I prefer warm and sunny but autumn has itself good climate too. You've had a lot of work in the garden, it's fantastic that your son was helping. good job! Your recipe (Chicken Pies) looks very intriguing. Best wishes! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. So lovely to see you back posting again.
    I did enjoy the catch-up, reading all your news.
    So nice to see all of your photographs too.

    Happy Birthday Wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  6. I just love your house and your pictures! Yes this is also my favourite time of year...the tourists has left the island and its calm and the nature is so beautiful.
    Have a great weekend, take care!
    Titti

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  7. Karen, I was reading your post yesterday and when I came to the chicken pot pies, I stopped to copy the recipe then I forgot to carry on. I'm glad I finally remembered. Your home always looks so warm and welcoming and you must have a fantastic view out of every window. You have so many beautiful plants and flowers but it all looks so natural, but I know a lot of love and work has gone into it. I hope you are enjoying autumn and you must have your fires burning by now..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy

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  8. You have such a pretty and cozy house Karen. It's so good to hear from you and I am glad you are well. How fun to have that fun party with your friends. The food and drink looks and sounds so good and yummy. Your deck looks so nice too with all of the plants and flowers. Thanks for the blog visits and happy fall Karen.

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  9. Happy to see you are back to blogging. I have always enjoyed reading your posts, and have been missing them of late. Love seeing all your creativity.

    Mia

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  10. Hi dear Karen. Your home is beautiful as ever...So inspiring and inviting. Always a pleasure stopping by! Best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Autumn is my favorite time of the year too, although I am in no rush for winter. Your home looks wonderful all decorated. Sounds like you all are keeping busy. I agree that we need a break from social media stuff. You know I didn't even know when Facebook went down :)
    So wonderful that all your friends have been vaccinated and you all could get together. My friends have not been vaccinated so I haven't gotten with them. Enjoy these days to come and hope that you continue to get rain.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a wonderfully eventful month.. happy belated birthday and anniversary.

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  13. Hi Karen!
    So nice to have you back wonderful Friend. Love your catch up post and belated happy anniversary and happy birthday to you! 🎉 I love seeing your home during my favorite season. Everything looks so cozy and pretty. And I am totally copying those recipes! 😉 Thank you for sharing them.
    I know what you mean about the world feeling so crazy and unsure. I put a lot of faith in God and in science (all vaccinated too). I believe better days are ahead. 😊 🙏
    I look forward to seeing that library. Love anytime you share. Blessings to you always.
    xoxo

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  14. I love your chatty posts and the glimpse into your life and home. Autumn is my favorite season as well and I enjoyed the decorations and recipes. Anything apple is a hit around here and I'm tempted to give the cake a try.
    Amalia
    xo

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  15. I'm so happy to have caught up with you, Karen, as well as the many ladies who love and missed you. I've felt the same way about social media, just reading snippets here and there so I have quiet time to rest my mind and heart when I'm not running around like a madwoman. And yes; cleaning, yard work, organizing, and fluffing the pillows really has the gift of distraction.

    I love all of your natural fall decor--you made me want to add sunflowers! Dried flowers and berries are my favorite and I have a whole bunch to make the floral arrangements for Abigail's baby shower on the 30th. She's a neutral loving girl and doesn't want anything to scream fall or Halloween so I'm doing some dried wheat, lavender, and tea roses.

    Your girlfriend party sounds like it was so fun!! I jotted down the apple cider recipe, the pineapple intrigues me. I think I'll make a few jars to hand out (or torture) my family with--they feel I try to spread a little too much happiness. 😂. Maybe it's more about their frenzied lives, and so little time to revel in graciousness as we've learned to do.

    Finally, thank you, thank you for the advice you gave me for our pavers at the lake. We have chipmunks wreaking havoc more and more every year. We've filled them with sand to no avail. and I sprained an ankle badly a few years ago. So I'm going to give the pea gravel a try. In the spring. The lake has to rest for awhile.

    Sending love and a big hug from far away. Thanks so much for your blog visit...we are truly two peas in a pod!

    Jane ❤️

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  16. Its good to see a post from you. Busyness surely upsets regular 'journaling.' As you mention, with the many months of political upheaval, Covid scares and restrictions, social unrest--all polarizing--there is an increasing withdrawal from social media. Like you--and like many of us--I tend to burrow into projects of home and garden, creative sewing, re-reading favorite books, trying to stay balanced in a crazy world.

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  17. Let's enjoy autumn days. The peak of the mountain you often shared its photos has already covered with snow, hasn't it? Happy and beautiful Sunday to you.

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  18. I just LOVE this season! Your home is beautiful and full of lovely inspiration...
    Sunday again! The weeks just fly away!
    Greetings from Titti

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  19. Karen, I love autumn, too. And this post certainly celebrates it! I'll be coming back to this one throughout the season to enjoy your handiwork. I'm with you, I avoid much social media and feel better for it.

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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